Mike Lupica
Prominent sportswriter and New York Times bestselling novelist of Travel Team and Heat

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About Mike Lupica
Mike Lupica has covered the fast-paced world of sports for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and Esquire. He has hosted several successful radio, television, and podcast programs and is the New York Times bestselling author of books for adults and young readers, including: No Slam Dunk, Lone Stars, Heat, and Fantasy League.
Lupica was awarded the Jim Murray Award from the National Football Foundation and was one of the 2017 inductees to the National Sports Media Hall of Fame.
Drawing on his years as a sports journalist, and his experiences as a father and youth sports coach, Mike Lupica understand the importance of sports in every child’s life. He brings this passion and expertise to audiences of all ages; speaking on the lessons that can be learned through team sports. His young adult novels connect with readers through dynamic and thoughtful characters that deal with real world issues, including friendship, family, and teamwork.
Lupica graduated from Boston College. He is the father of four and splits his time between New York and Florida.
Contact us for more information about booking Mike Lupica for your next event.
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Speaking Topics
The Next Moment is the One That Changes Everything
Just as a single play in a game changes sports history, Mike Lupica describes how a singular event with his son’s basketball team changed the trajectory of his writing career.
Sports Writing Today
In this lecture, Mike Lupica offers an in-depth look at the current climate in professional sports, with a focus on sports writing and commentary. This can be adapted to include a writing workshop.
Categories: Children's Author Speakers, Young Adult Author Speakers -
Video
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Praise for Mike Lupica
Praise for Robert B. Parker’s Payback
Lupica powers his way through the plot in fast-talking Parker style, reveling in the banter and the nicely delineated relationships between Sunny and various other Parker players….It’s all smart-alecky good fun in the hard-boiled tradition.
— BooklistPraise for Hero
“Every kid wants to be a superhero. Well, be careful what you wish for – you might get it. This is the amazing story of Zach Harriman and nothing Mike Lupica has written will thrill you like this.
— William Goldman, author of The Princess BridePraise for Strike Zone
Lupica’s action sequences are thrilling and fast-paced….[a] solid purchase where Mike Lupica and the Yankees are popular.
— School Library JournalAs he did in Heat, Lupica skillfully juggles the baseball drama with the larger social issues that swirl around it, vividly putting a human face on the immigration crisis.
— BooklistStrike Zone brings the game of baseball to life, but moreover, it addresses immigration, a current issue in U.S. culture and politics. Teens will choose to read Strike Zone as a “sports book” but will root for Nick both on and off the field. The Garcia family’s desire to become legal U.S. citizens is well woven into this fast-paced story.
— VOYAPraise for No Slam Dunk
A sure-fire hit with readers who love sports.
— BooklistPraise for Lone Stars
Lupica has crafted another fine sports story for the middle school reader.
— VOYAYoung readers, no matter their level of interest in the game, will be drawn in by this touching, timely story.
— BooklistThere is plenty of great football action to keep the sports enthusiasts engaged, and the information about concussive injury is easily understood and applied. This is an entertaining read that also imparts an important message.
— School Library ConnectionPraise for The Missing Baseball
Lupica kicks off a new series starring a pair of 8-year-old twins who solve sports-themed mysteries . . . Along with plenty of suspenseful sports action, the author highlights in both tales the values of fair play, teamwork, and doing the “right thing.” . . . the supporting cast shows some racial and ethnic diversity. Wholesome, uncomplicated fare for the younger Matt Christopher crowd.
— Kirkus ReviewsMike Lupica is bringing his sports knowledge and excellent writing ability to the chapter book world…[Zach and Zoe] have exciting playoff games, supportive parents, and act true to their ages . . . there is no evil involved in the mysteries, and the community is supportive. It is evident early on who or what is behind the mysteries, but this should be a positive for youngsters who are just getting started with guessing the outcomes of chapter books.
— School Library ConnectionZach and Zoe are likable and kind to each other, and their parents are supportive. Lupica knows how to write sports action with a heart . . . Give these to young readers who are looking for easy sports fiction or who are new to the mystery genre.
— School Library JournalPraise for Last Man Out
In the best traditions of sports writing, this will leave readers both breathless and thoughtful.
— BooklistAs is characteristic of Lupica’s books, the sports segments, most particularly the football portions, are exceptionally well written.
— VOYAPraise for Fantasy League
This Moneyball story with kids is on the money.
— Booklist, starred reviewFantasy League . . . is the feel good book of the year.
— VOYAThis Moneyball story with kids is on the money.
— School Library JournalPraise for QB 1
This is a wonderful book by a great writer. All football fathers and sons will enjoy it.
— Archie ManningPraise for The Underdogs
There’s plenty of action for sports fans, and readers will root for Will and his teammates till the very last page.
— School Library Journal[F]ootball fans will…respond to the detailed and exciting game action once the season gets rolling and find inspiration in Will and his teammates’ tenacity.
— Publisher’s WeeklyWill’s ingenuity and loyalty are encouraging, causing readers to want to cheer him on as he makes his dream come true.
— VOYA -
Books by Mike Lupica
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Media About Mike Lupica
Request Fees
and Availability
- 212 572-2013
- Mike Lupica travels from New York and Florida